Understanding cat grooming costs helps you budget for your feline friend's care and choose the right services. Here's our comprehensive 2026 pricing guide based on current market rates across the United States.
Average Cat Grooming Prices in 2026
Cat grooming prices have seen modest increases in 2025-2026 due to inflation and rising operational costs. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Basic Grooming Services
| Service | Price Range | |---------|-------------| | Basic Bath & Brush | $50 - $80 | | Full Groom (bath, dry, trim, nails) | $75 - $120 | | Nail Trim Only | $15 - $25 | | Ear Cleaning | $10 - $20 | | Sanitary Trim | $15 - $25 | | Brush Out (no bath) | $30 - $50 |
Specialty Services
| Service | Price Range | |---------|-------------| | Lion Cut | $90 - $150 | | Dematting (per 15 min) | $20 - $40 | | Flea Treatment Bath | $30 - $50 extra | | Deshedding Treatment | $25 - $45 extra | | Teeth Brushing | $10 - $15 |
Factors That Affect Cat Grooming Prices
1. Coat Type and Length
Short-haired cats typically cost less to groom ($50-$75 for a full groom) because they require less brushing and drying time.
Long-haired breeds like Persians, Maine Coons, and Himalayans cost more ($85-$150) due to:
- Extended brushing time
- More thorough dematting
- Longer drying time
- Additional coat maintenance
Double-coated cats may incur extra charges for deshedding treatments.
2. Cat's Temperament
Groomers often charge more for difficult cats:
- Calm cats: Standard pricing
- Nervous cats: $10-$20 additional
- Aggressive cats: $20-$40 additional or may be declined
Many groomers offer "fear-free" or "cat-friendly" handling at premium rates.
3. Condition of the Coat
If your cat hasn't been groomed in a while:
- Minor matting: $10-$20 extra
- Moderate matting: $30-$50 extra
- Severe matting: $50-$100+ extra, or may require shave-down
Regular grooming every 4-8 weeks prevents matting and keeps costs lower.
4. Location
Grooming prices vary significantly by region:
- Major cities (NYC, LA, SF): 20-40% higher than average
- Suburban areas: Average pricing
- Rural areas: 10-20% lower than average
5. Type of Grooming Business
| Business Type | Price Range | Notes | |---------------|-------------|-------| | Cat-Only Salon | $80 - $150 | Premium, stress-free environment | | Pet Salon (dogs & cats) | $60 - $120 | More common, varied quality | | Mobile Groomer | $100 - $180 | Convenience premium | | Veterinary Grooming | $90 - $160 | Medical oversight available | | In-Home Groomer | $80 - $150 | Familiar environment for cat |
Popular Services and Their Costs
The Lion Cut ($90 - $150)
The lion cut is one of the most requested cat grooming styles. It involves:
- Shaving the body short (leaving 1/4" to 1/2")
- Keeping the head, feet, and tail tip fluffy
- Creates the signature "lion mane" look
Best for: Long-haired cats prone to matting, cats in hot climates, senior cats who can't self-groom
Additional costs: May require sedation at a vet clinic ($50-$100 extra) for difficult cats.
Full Groom Package ($75 - $120)
A standard full groom typically includes:
- Nail trimming
- Ear cleaning
- Bath with cat-safe shampoo
- Blow dry and brush out
- Light trimming around sanitary areas and paw pads
- Optional: anal gland expression, teeth brushing
Bath and Brush ($50 - $80)
A simpler service that includes:
- Basic bath
- Towel and/or blow dry
- Brush out
- Nail trim
This is ideal for short-haired cats or between full grooming sessions.
Mobile Cat Grooming Prices
Mobile grooming brings the salon to your doorstep. Expect to pay:
| Service | Mobile Price | |---------|-------------| | Basic Bath & Brush | $80 - $120 | | Full Groom | $110 - $160 | | Lion Cut | $130 - $200 |
Why pay more for mobile?
- No travel stress for your cat
- One-on-one attention
- No exposure to other animals
- Convenience for busy owners
- Ideal for anxious or senior cats
How to Save on Cat Grooming
1. Book Regular Appointments
Many groomers offer discounts for regular clients (5-15% off) or package deals for multiple visits.
2. Maintain Coat at Home
Regular brushing between appointments prevents matting and reduces grooming time/cost.
3. Ask About Package Deals
Some salons offer packages like:
- 4-visit packages (10-15% savings)
- Annual plans
- Multi-pet discounts
4. Compare Multiple Groomers
Prices can vary significantly. Get quotes from 3-4 groomers before booking.
5. Consider Off-Peak Booking
Some groomers offer lower rates for:
- Weekday appointments
- Morning slots
- Last-minute openings
What's Included in the Price?
Always confirm what's included before booking. A "full groom" at one salon may differ from another.
Questions to ask:
- Is nail trimming included?
- What products do you use?
- How long will the appointment take?
- Is dematting included or extra?
- What if my cat needs sedation?
Red Flags: When Price Is Too Low
Be cautious of extremely low prices. Quality grooming requires:
- Proper cat-safe products
- Appropriate training and certification
- Adequate time for each cat
- Safe handling equipment
Prices significantly below market rate may indicate:
- Rushed service
- Inexperienced groomers
- Shared or unclean tools
- Stressful handling methods
2026 Price Trends
Compared to 2024-2025, cat grooming prices have increased approximately 5-8% due to:
- Rising rent costs for salons
- Increased product costs
- Higher labor costs
- Greater demand for cat-specific grooming
Expect prices to continue modest annual increases of 3-5%.
Getting Accurate Quotes
For the most accurate pricing:
- Describe your cat's breed and coat type
- Mention any temperament concerns
- Be honest about coat condition
- Ask about total cost including any add-ons
- Inquire about payment methods and tipping policy
Final Thoughts
Quality cat grooming is an investment in your cat's health and comfort. While prices vary, expect to budget $75-$120 for a standard full groom, with specialty services like lion cuts running $90-$150.
Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Look for groomers who specialize in cats, use gentle handling techniques, and have positive reviews from other cat owners.
Ready to find a cat groomer in your area? Browse our directory of professional cat groomers or request free quotes to compare prices near you.
Cat Grooming Directory Team
Cat grooming expert and contributor to Cat Grooming Directory. Passionate about helping cat owners find the best grooming solutions for their feline friends.
